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EVA JANE WASHBURN 


‘EUREKA” 


By EVA JANE WASHBURN 



1910 

Paducah Kentucky 

Sun Publishing Co. 



Copyright Applied For 



©CI.A261101 


Dedicated to my friends. 


Contents 


CHAPTER 

PAGE 

I. 

Aeone in the World . . 

1 

II. 

Leaving the Old Home 

12 

III. 

Aboard the Eagle . . 

22 

IV. 

The House-Boat . . . 

42 

V. 

Finding a Pearl . 

58 

VI. 

Billy’s Good Fortune . 

71 

VII. 

“Mammy” 

84 

VIII. 

Home from College . • 

91 

IX. 

“Sunday Morning . . . 

98 


CHAPTER I. 

Alone In the World/’ 

‘^Children dear, some time ago I 
]>romised to tell you a true story of 
a little boy and girl, who many 
years ago, by the death of their par- 
ents were left alone in the world. 
We are all by ourselves, for your 
grandpa has gone to hold services 

at Church, and we are not 

likely to be disturbed by visitors. 
Somehow I am in the mood tonight, 
to bring to light long forgotten 
scenes of the past. But before I be- 


2 EUREKA 

gin, yon must promise to pay strict 
attention, for all story tellers are 
more or less sensitive if their hear- 
ers are inattentive. You must 
listen with your hearts as well as 
with your ears, or rather you must 
hear with your ears and understand 
with your hearts. Be sure to re- 
member this, for there is much in 
the story worth thinking over. 

^‘The little girl of whom I shall 
tell you is called Rose, and my hero 
bears the name of Billy, just like 
your little brother, here; so if you 
wish to, you may fancy that you are 
the ^Rose’ and ‘Billy’ of my story. 

“Oh, yes, I know that you have 
been taught to believe you were 
named for your grandpa and me-—, 
but — ^no matter about that now. 


EUEEKA 3 

Listen closely, and you may be able 
to guess who the litle boy and girl 
really are. 

‘‘Come close to the fire, sweet- 
hearts and fix your eyes on the 
bright red coals. It will help to 
bring before you the picture of the 
old log house in a small clearing. A 
fierce wind sweeps with chilling 
blast through the tops of the tall 
trees! it howls through the cracks 
between the logs, and steals into 
each tiny crevice. Above and over 
all shines the cold, pale moon, 
which brightens the little room with 
her soft mellow rays. 

“This house is occupied by a 
family of three. Grandma, Eose and 
Pearl. Let me describe them to you, 
for they are all very interesting, 


4 


EUKEI^IA. 


and grandma, wlio is called ‘‘Mam- 
my’^ is rather striking in appear- 
ance. She is a dear little woman, 
short and plump, with a face like 
an open school-book written all over 
with life’s toilsome lessons. Her 
eyes are still blue and laughing, in 
spite of many lines and wrinkles. 
Her hands are so small and shape- 
ly that it would seem unfair to ex- 
pect rough work from them. 

‘^When dressed for a walk, a 
long, gray coat with deep pockets 
on either side envelopes her tiny 
form. On her head is a dark green 
bonnet, with fur about the face. 
Her woolen shoes, pointed and 
turned up at the toes, are home 
made. With her two darling chil- 
dren, one on either side, arrayed in 


EUEEKA 


5 


garments to suit their youthful 
years, the three presented a picture, 
quaint and picturesque and attrac- 
tive. 

‘‘Eose, the elder of the two little 
girls was of the gypsy type with 
sparkling black eyes which seemed 
to talk. She had her father’s voice, 
and when its merry tones echoed 
through the old house, it was sweet 
as an angel’s song to Mammy’s 
ears. But it was reserved for the 
golden-haired baby-girl to comfort 
the grandmother’s declining years, 
and to bring joyousness to her 
faithful, loving heart. Little Pearl 
was indeed a treasure; indeed she 
was like the pearl of my story, 
which I shall tell you about, later 
on. 


EUBEEA 


“These children were left to 
their grandmother loving care by 
the death of her only son. The lit- 
tle home and garden spot where he 
had brought his fair, young bride 
(whom God transplanted very 
early, to the Heavenly Garden) 
were all Mammy’s earthly posses- 
sions. For them she toiled, year 
after year, feeling no service too 
great for those whom she so dearly 
loved. From what the little garden 
yielded she managed to secure the 
necessaries for the home. 

“With willing hands each task 
was done, and when evening came 
they gathered around the old fire 
place, content in the love, they bore 
each other, their simple joys, and 
the knowledge of duties faithfully 


EUEEKA 




performed. God and nature were 
their companions. Prom each blade 
of grass they learned lessons of 
wisdom; as the acorn fell to the 
ground it brought them a message 
from their great Creator. And thus 
they gained beautiful tidings of 
hope, faith and contentment. It 
was well that their young hearts 
developed thus early this trustful 
faith in a Divine Father, for before 
long a sad accident prevented dear 
Mammy from continuing her loving 
labors. One evening while going 
down the back steps, she fell and 
broke her arm. Thus disabled she 
found it impossible to attend to her 
garden, and her inability to work 
cut off their supplies for the long 
winter months. 


8 


EUREKA 


‘ ^ One cold winter night found the 
little family almost without food, 
not knowing in what manner their 
wants might be supplied. Yet each 
face wore a smile of peaceful confi- 
dence, for God was very near to 
these faithful, trusting ones. They 
gathered around the fireplace and 
Mammy took from the shelf the 
well worn Bible and read a chapter 
aloud. As she closed the book the 
room seemed to grow brighter, the 
fire to burn and crackle more joy- 
ously and to throw out more 
warmth. This started the kettle to 
singing so merrily, that they all 
laughed for joy. 

‘‘ ‘How jolly it is Mammy! The 
kettle is singing for luck,’ said 
Rose. ‘It is wishing us pleasant 



THE LAST^NIGHT IN THE OLD HOME 




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EUEEKA 


9 


dreams, but it needn’t think that 
I’m going to bed yet. I want to 
hear Mammy tell that fairy story 
about the little elf-child with the 
big black wings, who carried ginger 
bread to hungry people. Mammy 
did you ever eat any of those ginger 
cakes?’ 

‘‘No, child, but I think some 
would taste good just now. We 
need some quite as badly as those 
children in the fairy tale, and God 
may send us some ‘Angel in dis- 
guise’ to help us in our present 
time of need. He will not forsake 
us, my darlings, if we trust Him, 
and perform each duty as it comes 
to hand, for He is always the faith- 
ful promiser. But I must try to 
think of some plan, so that we , may 


10 EUEEELA. 

leave here before the river freezes 
over. 

‘May I think too, Mammy!’ 
asked Rose. 

“ ‘Yes, dear, for God might send 
the message to you instead of me. ’ 

“ ‘Now darlings,’ said the old 
lady, after a thoughtful pause, ‘let 
us kneel before Him and ask His 
blessings on us, for He is the God of 
the fatherless and the widows’ 
friend. Let us pray.’ 

‘It was indeed a beautiful sight, 
those three kneeling figures, the 
white-haired woman, the innocent 
children; their earnest appeal; their 
simple faith. The rustle of angel- 
wings hovering over the prostrate 
forms might almost have been 
heard. 


EUEEKA 11 

‘^Before Mammy closed her eyes 
in slumber that night she felt in her 
‘heart of hearts’ the divine assur- 
ance of a protecting arm and a 
guiding hand. For so ‘He giveth 
His beloved sleep!’ 


12 


EUEEKA 


CHAPTER II. 

Leaving The Old Home. 

‘‘Rose awoke long before day 
and, stealing noiselessly ont of the 
house, crept softly up to Mammy’s 
bedroom window, thinking to 
waken her with her usual song; for 
this little girl, like the birds, al- 
ways greeted her Maker with a 
morning carol. But now her heart 
was heavy as she remembered the 
empty cupboard, her white-haired 
grandmother, the hungry little sis- 


he: old hom 






EUREKA 13 

ter, and last, but not least, her own 
unsatisfied craving for food. 

‘‘Forcing back the hot tears, she 
drew the shawl closer around her 
shivering form and called on 
Heaven to put a new song in her 
heart. The little chin trembled, and 
the red lips quivered but love con- 
quered all. In a moment she 
warbled forth the morning song in 
simple childish words, with a voice 
sweet enough to charm the most in- 
different audience. 

Mammy darling Rose is here; 

Mammy dear you need not fear, 
The Lord will provide. 

He feeds the tiny sparrow; 

He’ll send us bread tomorrow, 
The Lord will provide. 


14 


EUREKA 


-I 

Then wake, dear ones, wake; 

For now the morn doth break. 
The Lord will provide. 

^ . j 

O, sing the sweet old song, » 

We’ll make it loud and long; 
The Lord will provide. 

‘‘At the sound of the first note 
the curtain was gently raised, two 
faces pressed the window pane, and 
two voices joined in the glad re- 
frain. A smile of joy lighted up the 
•mild’s bright face, and with cherry 
voice and courageous step, she re- 
entered the little dwelling. After 
helping Mammy to brush the 
hearth, she replenished and bright- 
ened the fire, which was the only 
comfort the little home could afford 
that day. 


EUREKA 15 

‘Mammy, have you decided 
what we are to do? You know we 
are hungry and cannot stay here 
without food/ 

“ ‘No, Rose, I^m at a loss to 
know how to act. I^m almost as 
much in the dark as when I went to 
bed. I was very tired and slept 
soundly. I did not waken till I 
heard my little girl ^s song. ^ 

“ ‘Well, Mammy, I have a plan, 
and you listen now and see if it 
isn’t as good, as any you can think 
of. You know the river boat Eagle 
is anchored down by the old mill. 
Well, yesterday when I went out to 
gather wood I heard the boat com- 
ing, and went down the bank to see 
her pull in. While I was there I 
heard the captain say that every 


16 EiUHEjK[A 

hand on the boat must go to the 
woods and cut wood. He said he 
himself would watch them to see 
that every man did his work, in 
order that they might be in Augus- 
ta before tomorrow night. They 
are not to make any stops. Now, 
Mammy, while these men are all 
away, let us hide in the boat, and 
steal a ride to Augusta. ^ 

^WouldnT it be better to ask 
him for a ride I ^ protested Mammy. 
‘He might drop us somewhere 
along the river bank, far from a 
house, or any human being. ^ 

‘ ‘ ‘ All alone with God I ’ asked lit- 
tle Pearl. 

“ ‘0, Mammy, Mammy,’ cried 
Eose. ‘If you could get one look 
at the captain’s cold, hard face, you 


EUREKA 17 

would never dream of asking a 
favor of him. I know he hasn^t a 
spark of love or sympathy, the way 
he spoke to his men showed me that 
it would be folly to beg a ride from 
him. There’s no other way only to 
steal the ride now that we have the 
opportunity and you know its likely 
our last chance, for the river may 
freeze over any day.’ 

^Rose, darling, this is an expe- 
dient which I would not feel safe in 
atempting, were I not forced to do 
something at once. I will, in the 
present case, be guided by your 
judgment. ’ 

‘Well, then, dear Mammy, we 
have no time to lose. Let us be on 
the way at once. ’ 

“ ‘Yes, Rose; but let us dress 


18 


EUEEKA 


ourselves in our best clothes. After 
packing up a small bundle, we will 
lock up the dear little home. Some 
day, when we are richer we may 
come back, for we have had both 
sorrow and happiness here.’ 

‘‘The old clock on the chimney 
struck four, just as they turned the 
key in the lock. Feeling sorry to 
leave it behind, as a parting tribute 
Eose had wound it up so that its 
life would thus be prolonged a few 
days. They passed out of the little 
gateway, crossed over and stood 
silently by the graves of their loved 
ones. It seemed to the children al- 
most cruel to desert the mouldering 
forms so tenderly laid away under 
the brown sod. The old tree that 
marked their resting place, had 


EUREKA 


19 


dropped her last leaf on the graves 
and stretched out her limbs toward 
heaven as if in benediction, calling 
to the Great Bountiful Giver for his 
abundant blessings on these silent 
mounds which represented so much 
to sorrowful figures grouped about. 
After some smothered sobs the lit- 
tle party slowly passed through the 
gate and out into the highway, 
traveling this mile and a half in 
silence, toward the old mill. 

^Children, have you ever seen 
a deserted old mill, just at the 
close of day? Like a silent sentinel 
it stands, loneJy and desolate, as if 
keeping faithfal v atch over its do- 
main. Sometimes it seems like a 
dread skeleton, with hands extend- 
ed, pleading for the river to loosen 


20 


EUREKA 


its fastenings and bear it away — 
anywhere, far, far removed from 
this desolate spot/ 

^^Jnst as the old mill loomed in 
sight they heard the sound of the 
sailors’ axes in the distance, and 
they judged that their, coming was 
well timed. Many a man’s heart 
would have quailed in this trying 
hour, hut not so Mammy’s. Long 
before they reached the mill her 
faith in Rose’s plan had conquered 
her fears, and with her two darl- 
ings’ hands clasped close in hers, 
she trudged on, fleet of foot and 
light of heart. They approached 
the river and stole down the bank. 
Gliding alongside of the old boat, 
keeping close so as not to be seen, 
Rose took the lead and Pearl fol- 


21 


EUREKA 

lowed, while Mammy brought up 
the rear. They crossed the gaug- 
plank and, gained the engine-room. 
Thence they passed through the 
kitchen into the butler’s pantry, ap- 
parently unobserved. 


22 




CHAPTER III. 

Aboard the Eagle. 

‘^The boat seemed to be mob- 
served. But God above, and one pair 
01 human eyes, were watching the 
movement of this strange proces- 
sion. How the heart of this man 
beat with sympathy and his kind 
eyes filled with tears, as he watched 
this singular looking old lady and 
t]’o two sweet girls. They were evi- 
dently in distress, and he felt 
strongly impelled to render aid. 




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EUREKA 


23 


was their ‘Angel in disguise^ 
sent to tide them over their ‘ Sea of 
trouble. ’ A most sincere longing to 
help them filled his soul, but it 
seemed best to allow them to think 
that no one had seen them enter. 
They might be unduly alarmed if he 
spoke to them. He would wait, and 
when the right time came befriend 
them. 

“His book had lost its charm; it 
was impossible for him to read. 
Memory carried him back to a large 
city, where, in his beautiful North- 
ern home, his own two sweet little 
daughters were waiting his return. 
He thought of his gray haired moth- 
er, so recently laid to rest in that 
far away churchyard. Yes, he 
would try to befriend these unpro- 


24 EUREKA 

tected ones, as he would have his 
own loved ones cared for, should 
fortune prove fickle and they be 
thrown on the mercies of a cold 
world in like manner. 

‘^Laying aside his book, he light- 
ed a cigar and strolled on deck, but 
still his thoughts turned toward the 
little party, hidden away in the but- 
ler ’s pantry, and he wondered again 
and again, what sad misfortune and 
sorrow had brought them to this 
subterfuge. The coming of the boat- 
gang disturbed his sad reveries. 

‘^Did you ever watch the hurry 
and confusion attending the landing 
of a river boat? There are loud 
voices and harsh words. Each lazy, 
sullen negro is trying to shirk his 
allotted task. Above all sounds the 


EUREKA 


25 


captain ’s heavy thread, as he shout>} 
his hasty orders. All this and mt-re, 
was heard by the defenceless little 
party, and it grated harshly, too — 
for their every nerve was strained 
to its highest tension, knowing that 
before long, they must be discov- 
ered. 

^^But in spite of this dread their 
hearts fairly bounded for joy as 
they felt the boat floating down 
stream and they knew they were 
headed for Augusta. Then Rose, 
greatly troubled, knowing the hour 
of their discovery to be close at 
hand, tried to reason out her course 
of action. What ought she to do 
and to say, so as to take the blame 
all on herself, and thus make it 
easier for the others? What could 


26 


EUREKA 


she say? It seemed to her that th-'‘re 
were no words to fit the occasion. 

‘‘Very soon the voices of the ne- 
groes attracted her thoughts and 
she stopped to listen to their talk 
and to their songs. One of Them 
told about a white man who, in the 
early morning, had found a pearl of 
great value. There were said to be 
great numbers of them in the White 
River, waiting for some lucky one 
to discover them. Then the con- 
versation settled upon the captain’s 
nouse-boat which he was offering 
for sale. 

“Rose’s mind worked rapidly. 
She fancied herself a Pearl hunter 
and her imagination drew a picture 
of a beautiful bed of pearls await- 
ing her, in this enchanting riv^er. 


EUREKA 


27 


She thought of Pearl, the darling 
little sister, more precious than the 
buried treasures of the river, who 
was her^s to love and guide. Pearl 
was indeed a gem left in her keep- 
ing by the beloved parents gone be- 
fore. Presently she was aroused 
from her day dreams by the sudden 
opening of the pantry door. A 
woolly head was thrust in, then 
quickly drawn back. She heard a 
load voice on deck, then the cap- 
tain ^s rough voice indicated his ap- 
proach. 

‘‘The frightened trio stole noise- 
lessly out of their hiding place, and 
entered the kitchen just as the cap- 
tain opened the door. Both anger 
and surprise were written on his 
face. He could hardly believe his 


28 EUREKA 

eyes as they rested on the strange 
cowering group. He had considered 
the negroes startled announcement 
pure imagination, caused by the su- 
perstition, natural to the race, and 
was puzzled and angered when com- 
pelled to admit the truth of the 
statement. 

“Then Rose’s cherry voice broke 
the silence: ^Good evening, cap- 
tain,’ she said. ‘This is my dear 
grandmother and my baby sister. I 
hope you’ll forgive us for taking 
this liberty, and let us ride on your 
boat to Augusta. ’ 

“With scorn and anger he bade 
them out on deck and tell their 
story. Slowly they followed the 
echoing footsteps of this being in 
the form of a man, with the heart 
left out. When they reached the 


EUREKA 29 

deck, the captain turned to the 
grandmother and with pompous air, 
addressed her in these words: ^Old 
woman, give an account of yourself. 
Tell me how you dared to try tc 
steal a ride from the captain of the 
Eagle. You surely did not know 
your man or you would hardly have 
-entured to do it.’ 

^‘Mammy’s face flushed until it 
^‘;as crimson. Never in her long 
life had she been suffered to hear 
such language addressed to herself. 

was deeply shocked by his 
brutal manner, and with tears 
streaming down her dear old face, 
in a ^oice scarcely above a whisper. 
^iiO told him how hunger had forced 
them to leave their litle home, and 
how lonely and friendless they were. 
Kneeling at his feet, she begged 


30 EUREEA 

them to forgive their deception and 
take them on to Augusta. 

^Save your fine acting, old 
woman,’ he answered in his hardest 
tone. have no time to listen 
longer. The law gives me the right 
to arrest you. You, and these chil- 
dren, are my prisoners. I will have 
you placed in the hull of the boat 
for safe keeping, and when we reach 
Augusta I will turn you over to the 
authorities to be tried for stealing. 
I believe in dealing justice alike to 
a 11, regardless of age, sex or cc lor. ’ 

‘Dear, Sir,’ pleaded Mammy. 
‘For the love of Heaven forgive and 
take us to a place of safety.’ Her 
voice was full of distress as she 
made this last appeal; and it would 
seem that no heart could be so hard 


EUREKA 31 

as to turn a deaf ear to such a wail 
of dispair. But only a deiisixe 
laugh escaped his lips. ‘I see you 
are dead game old woman. You 
thought I would not stop till we 
reached Augusta; neither will T. 
’Twould be better for you if I did. ’ 

‘^A quick firm step was then 
heard approaching. Two kind, dark 
eyes gazed into their frightened 
faces ; and a voice full of gentleness 
assured them of the presence of a 
friend, though unknown to them. 

‘Good people,’ said the distin- 
guished looking stranger, ‘I hear 
you are in trouble. Permit me to 
assist you. I assure you I mean no 
harm. 

“Rose raised her downcast eyes, 
full of hope and gratitude, to Mam- 


32 EUEEKA 

my^s tearful face and whispered 
the words of her little song: ‘The 
Lord will provide. ’ The glad tears 
blinded their eyes. What a relief. 
A friend in need! Tongue and pen 
are powerless to express the worth 
of a friend in need! Only those who 
have suffered, know the blessedness 
of such a friend. Who is more god- 
like than he who comes to you, and 
by the mere clasp of the hand, re- 
veals the warmth of a generous 
heart? You need not explain; lie 
makes you understand that he 
knows, and is ready both to render 
aid and to offer sympathy. 

“Mammy, turning to him, said: 
“Dear Sir; God must have sent you 
to us.’ 

“Bowing respectfully, he answer- 
ed, ‘Then, Madam, will I faithfully 


EUREKA 33 

perform his purpose/ Turning to 
the captain he continued: ‘I regret 
very much, the disrespect you have 
shown this lady. I hope she may 
not long remember it. I shall do all 
in my power to atone for it. Give 
them the sunniest corner of the boat 
and serve them a generous meal, as 
soon as possible. Furnish them 
every comfort the boat affords. I 
will pay the charges.’ 

^^Here was a man after Christ’s 
own pattern, with a heart large 
enough to reach out to all who 
suffer. 

‘‘After delivering his orders he 
introduced himself to the little 
party. ‘I am Theron Sweet of Mil- 
waukee, manager of the Milwaukee 
Lumber Company. Now my friends. 


34 EUREKA 

while we are waiting for supper; 
let us see what we can plan for your 
future.’ 

‘‘With chairs drawn close to- 
gether they talked freely and ex- 
plained to him how they had been 
forced into these trying conditions, 
and if their hopes of reaching Au- 
gusta. When asked if they had 
friends in Augusta, Mammy merely 
shook her head, for she had scarce- 
ly regained her powers of speech 
since the captain’s rough attack. 
Choking down the lump in her 
throat, she told him in broken tones, 
that she hoped to find some steady 
light work, whereby she might be 
able to care for the children. 

“You see my darlings, that Mam- 
my’s faith was not of the sort to be 
easily put down; hers was the kind 


EUREKA 35 

that sticks. She clung to God's 
proridses, saying always, ‘Though 
He slay me yet will I trust Him ' 

Theron Sweet had seldom 
met snch an example of pur»^ un- 
adulterated faith, of faith pure and 
simpie. He could see that she was 
now fully and firmly believing in 
the Divine power and Its willing- 
ness to provide for them. He turned 
to Rose. Her active mind was al- 
ready formulating a plan whereby 
they might find a way out of their 
difficulties and trials. The little 
girl's eyes were talking fast, in a 
language known only to Mammy 
and Pearl. 

“The man was not able even to 
guess at the knotty problem she 
was working out. In imagination 


36 EUREKA 

Rose was floating down the White 
River in a house-boat searching for 
pearls. Her mind was full of visions 
of undiscovered treasures which 
she was certain might be hers if she 
could only have the opportunity to 
look for them. With enthusiasm 
and determination portrayed on- 
every feature, soon she raised her 
expressive eyes to Mr. Sweet. 

‘‘With a look of loving kindness 
he addressed her thus : ‘ Speak out, 
child. I see you have thought of 
some plan. What is it U 

“ ‘Yes, Sir; I have an idea,^ she 
replied. ‘If you will not think me 
too bold, to plan for my dear grand- 
mother, who is so wise and cap- 
able.’ 

“ ‘Well, Rose,’ exclaimed Mam- 
my. ‘You were bright enough tc- 


EUEEKA 37 

hit upon a plan to secure us a ride 
to Augusta; now tell us what you 
may have in store for us further. ’ 

^Kind Sir, since I have been on 
this boat I have heard so much talk 
about the pearls in the White Eiver, 
that I’m sure if I had a houseboat 
I would go pearling myself. Every 
night I would ask our Heavenly 
Father to care for us and help us 
to find a pearl, so I could buy com- 
forts for sister and mamy. In His 
own good time He would direct our 
boat to the spot where the pearls 
are lying.’ 

^^The child’s unbounded faith 
impressed the man greatly. 

‘Oh, Eose,’ he cried, ‘such a 
beautiful faith! If you could but 
live on to the end and never lose it ! 


38 EUEEKA 

You are rich even now, my child, al- 
though you have nothing to eat. 
Many a man would give all he 
possesses in exchange for your 
trusting confidence. As supper is 
ready now I want us all to eat a 
good square meal and then we can 
talk more about this houseboat 
plan. Eose seems to have set her 
heart upon it.’ 

^ ‘ The ludicrous side of the picture 
presented itself to the business 
man’s imagination, and he leaned 
back in his chair, and laughed such 
a hearty whole-souled laugh— thai 
it rolled out on the water, reached 
the woods, and echoed back, still 
full of love and kindness. Eose took 
no offense at his merriment, but ad- 
dressed herself industriously to the 
task in hand, doing full justice to 


EUEEKA 39 

the kind gentleman’s ‘good square 
meal. ’ 

After supper, Mr. Sweet sent a 
message to the captain asking him 
to come on deck. He came — look- 
ing cross and stem, casting a side- 
long disapproving glance at the lit- 
tle party. Mr Sweet raised his hat 
and said: ‘Captain, for many gener- 
ations my ancestors have shown re- 
spect for old age, and now when 1 
come into the presence of ladiei!, T 
feel impelled to raise my hat.’ 

‘ The captain’s gaze fell on eyes 
so kind yet so determined that he 
shrank from meeting them, for 
doubtless he felt that he deserved 
the stranger’s reproof Turning 
about he faced the litle party, rais- 
ing his hat as he did so. 


40 EUREKA 

“ ‘Captain/ continued Mr. Sweet, 
‘I wish to ask you a question in re- 
gard to pearling in the White 
River. Which is the better and safer 
for the pearlers, a houseboat or a 
tent. ^ 

“ ‘Well, Mr. Sweet, for comfort a 
houseboat is the best; as for safety, 
there is no difference. The boat is 
more expensive, unless you find 
some one who, like myself, has in- 
vested and made a mistake. I 
bought a houseboat last summer, 
and put a worthless fellow in 
charge. I knew, at the time, he 
wasnT much account, but his wife 
and little boy were hard workers, 
and I thought they could make it 
pay. But the woman died, and the 
man ran off somewhere down the 
river, and I never knew what be- 


EUEEKA 41 

came of the hoy. And the house- 
boat, it ’s moored to the bank of the 
White River, several miles down 
stream. We always feed the cow 
and chickens as we go by, but I’d 
be glad to sell all for half what 
they cost me. I ask only seventy- 
five dollars and this includes pearl- 
ing outfit, cow and chickens.’ 

‘I accept the proposition,’ said 
Mr. Sweet, without an instant ’s 
hesitation. ‘Write me a receipt in 
full, if you will agree to stop for fif- 
teen or twenty minutes when we 
reach that point, in order that I 
may be sure that I have in my pos- 
session all that I pay you for. ’ 

“ ‘Agreed,’ replied the captain, 
his face beaming. 

“All being well satisfied, they 
closed the bargain and retired to 
rest. 


42 


EUREKA 


CHAPTER IV. 

The Houseboat. 

^‘Well, my dears, shall I go ou?*^ 

“Oh, donT stop grandma,’’ 
pleaded the children. 

“Well, the blowing of the whis- 
tle, and ringing of the bell, notified 
the party that they had reached the 
end of their journey. Turning to 
Rose, Mr. Sweet said: ‘I believe you 
will be the lucky one, and may 
God’s protecting arm shield you 


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EUREKA 43 

through all the coming years. You 
have given me much to think of. ^ 

< i The gang-plank was lowered 
for them to land. Rose gave a shout 
of joy, as she caught the first 
glimpse of the little red houseboat 
with white curtains at the windows. 
Upon entering she saw the little 
bed made up in white, and two 
bright red rocking chairs. The 
table, a china cupboard, and some 
small pictures hanging on the wall, 
bespoke the refined taste of the for- 
mer occupant. Mr. Sweet took her 
wartn little hand and pressed a 
piece of money into the soft, pink 
palm. He stroked her glossy hair 
and bade her take good care of 
Mammy and her. little sister. He 
begged her soon to write him a let- 
ter so that he might know how they 


44 EUREKA 

fared. Then, after a hearty hand- 
shake, he left the little party. The 
old river boat, puffing steam and 
pulling down the stream, bore away 
for ever from their sight, the gen- 
erous, noble man, who was indeed a 
‘friend in need’ and who was most 
surely ‘an angel in disguise.’ As 
long as his form remained in view, 
three hands shaded three pairs of 
eyes, and three damp handker- 
chiefs, waved a last good-bye. 

“After a stifled sob from Rose, 
and a few lingering sighs. Mam- 
my’s voice broke the silence: ‘Come 
children, when we have put a few 
finishing touches to the houseboat, 
it will seem more like home to us. ’ 

‘ ‘ The necessary changes being 
made. Mammy, sorely in need of 
rest, commended them to the care 


EUREKA 45 

of Him whose eye never slumbers, 
nor sleeps. She laid her tired body 
down on the little bed, and slept 
the sleep of weariness of body and 
mind. 


^Ht is of the greatest importance 
that we make the right start in 
every undertaking in life, my dears, 
so, next morning. Mammy writes 
out in bold letters a motto to hang 
over the door: Love, Faith, Con- 
tentment. This pleased the chil- 
dren greatly, for Mammy tells them 
that if they could only live ly to the 
sentiment of those three words, they 
could not fail to be both good and 
happy. When the ‘motto’ was se- 
curely fastened over the door. Rose 
proposed that they take a stroll on 


46 EUREKA 

the river bank, to explore their sur- 
roundings; and to find out if they 
have any neighbors. 

^^At the very start they struck a 
hard-beaten, narrow path which ap- 
peare dto be in constant use. Soon 
they saw what seemed to be a tent 
in the distance. 

‘‘On approaching the tent they 
discovered, sitting on a log, mend- 
ing a fish net a small boy who look- 
ed forlorn and friendless. His 
countenance was sad and his out- 
ward appearance indicated the lack 
of a mother’s care and fore-thought. 
Rose’s keen sensibilities took in the 
situation at a glance. With heart 
full of tenderness and sympathy she 
cried out ‘Howdy boy! Howdy! 
Don’t you want company!’ 


EUREKA 47 

‘^The boy dropped bis net and 
jumped np, his face beaming with 
surprise and pleasure, for to him 
the thought of companionship was 
very acceptable. ‘Yes, I do, for like 
Robinson Crusoe, I live all alone, 
and I^m all the while wishing for a 
goat. ’ 

“Then Rose, remembering the 
presence of the others, said, ‘This 
is my grandmother and my sister 
Pearl. We are going to live in the 
houseboat. It is ours. We do not 
know anything about pearling and 
we will have to get some one to 
teach us. ’ 

“ ‘I can teach you to pearl and to 
fish, too,^ he exclaimed, ‘My name 
is Billy and I used to live in the 
houseboat. My father was a fisher- 
man and he taught me all I know 


48 EUREKA 

about it. I love the water and I 
earn my living that way. Since my 
dear mother death/ he continued 
sadly, 'I have lived in this tent 
alone. I might fish for you all and 
help to earn our living. 0, how I 
wish I had a home and some one to 
be kind to me.’ Impressed by the 
kind and compassionate look on 
Mammy’s sweet face, Billy ex- 
claimed, ‘Will you not take me too. 
Grandma?’ 

“Her tender heart warmed at 
once to the orphan T)oy and she re- 
plied: ‘Yes, my child, come home 
with us. I will care for you. Come 
to think of it, I believe I need a lit- 
tle boy.’ 

“Billy required no more pressing 
invitation; his cup of joy was brim- 





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EUREKA 49 

ful and running over. His small 
belongings were easily removed to 
the houseboat, and life for all now 
began anew. By virtue of his sex, 
Billy assumed the dignity of protes- 
tor, and by his knowledge of pearl- 
ing and fishing he proved a valu- 
able helper. His merry whistle en- 
couraged Rose and kept her spirits 
from flagging, and the girPs clear 
voice accompanied by the boy^s 
merry whistle, echoed over the 
river, blending in harmonious 
measures. 

^‘They worked from sunrise till 
late at night, and never wearied of 
planning and talking of the wonder- 
ful things they were going to do. 
With regard to their preparations. 
Rose felt that one important fea- 
ture had been overlooked. The 


50 


EUEEKA 


houseboat had never been named. 
Mammy being consulted, they de- 
cided it should be called the ‘ Star 
of Bethelhem’ because, as the wise 
men of old were directed by the 
star in the East to find the place 
where the Holy Babe lay, even so, 
by means of the houseboat they 
hoped to be directed to the undis- 
covered treasure. 

‘‘When the weather proved un- 
favorable to fishing and pearling, 
the children worked on the ‘sign,^ 
which was to be painted on the side 
of the boat in a large half circle in 
big white letters on a bright red 
back ground. On Christmas day it 
was finished and hoisted to view. 
Each boat that passed halted to 
read the sign, and thereafter, not a 


EUREKA 51 

man nor boat on the river would 
have harmed one of the family. 

‘‘A joyful surprise was in store 
for these worthy, deserving chil- 
dren. On Christmas afternoon, as 
Rose and Billy were watching with 
eager interest the passing boats 
they spied the Eagle headed 
straight for them. What could it 
mean! The mystery was explained 
when she pulled up quite close to 
the ‘Star of Bethlehem,’ and the 
once grouty captain appeared on 
deck, bearing on his shoulder a 
large box which he tossed over on 
the deck of the houseboat. 

“ ‘What is it, captain!’ shouted 
Rose. 

“ ‘A Christmas box from Mr. 
Sweet,’ replied the captain. ‘No, 


52 EUREKA 

nothing to pay. Charges prepaid. 
You’re in luck. I wouldn’t mind 
stopping to share your good fortune 
with you, but time is precious. I 
must be off. Merry Christmas!’ and 
the Eagle steamed out of sight. 

‘‘The children were not long in 
hnding the way to the inside of the 
box. Never before had Santa Claus 
dealt out to them such abundant 
measure, such surprising and de- 
lightful gifts. With true generosity 
the children and Mammy shared 
everything with Billy, and further 
regaled him with stories of their 
friend Mr. Sweet. 

“So Christmas passed, and next 
morning at breakfast time, they 
lived all over again, in imagination 
the pleasures of the previous day. 
Rose worked industriously, her 


EUREKA 53 

faith never wavering. It was her 
firm belief that if yon work, watch 
and wait yon will receive yonr re- 
ward. This was the gronndwork of 
her simple creed. 

‘^Diligently she searched for 
pearls. Late into the night you 
conld hear her snipping open the 
shells with her sharp little knife. 
Billy, too, worked hard all throngh 
the winter, and they had a pile of 
shells almost as large as the honse- 
hoat. There had been no bnyers 
down the river, on acconnt of the 
severe cold weather, bnt they man- 
aged to pnll throngh the winter 
withont mnch snffering. There 
was snfficient of the necessary 
food; and althongh it was plain. 
Mammy conld cook it so that it 
tasted as well as the best. 


54 


EUREKA 


last the winter broke and 
with a sudden hurst of welcome 
Spring rushed upon them with 
balmy air, warm sunshine, bursting 
buds and fragrant flowers. The 
pale yellow catkins of the chestnut 
tree appeared and also the poplar 
buds and the pussy-willows. Hang- 
ing in groups, in long pedicles and 
maples’ yellow bell-shaped flowers 
dangled in the breeze. All nature 
rejoiced. 

^^This joyful, hopeful season 
gladdened the hearts of the little 
family and peace and contentment 
reigned supreme about the river. 
They could now sit out on the porch 
of the little houseboat and every 
evening Mammy rocked baby Pearl 
to sleep. Rose’s face was all smiles 


EUEEKA 55 

as lier eyes rested on those she 
loved and she heard the familiar 
strains of the soft lullaby: 

‘‘ ‘Eockaby, rockaby, 
Mammy is here. 

Eockaby darling, 

There’s nothing to fear. 
Angels are hovering 
Over us, dear. 

Eockaby, rockaby 
Mammy is here.’ 

Pearl’s golden head nestled 
close on Mammy’s breast; on the 
very same spot where her own had 
rested not so many years before. 
The passing breeze lifted each gold- 
en curl till it touched Mammy’s 
cheek with a kiss of gratitude to 
her own had filled ‘mother’s place 
so long and so well that the child 
knew nothing of her loss. 


56 


EUEEKA 


^‘At last Billy’s voice broke the 
silence. 'Tell me, Eose, of what are 
you dreaming! Yon are so still, 
that if your eyes were not open, I’d 
think yon were asleep.’ 

" 'I’m wondering how long it 
will be before I can go to school. 
Mammy has taught me all I know 
about school books and I’m tired 
of studying the same things over 
and over again. Oh, if I could only 
find a pearl! Sometimes I get dis- 
contented, and feel as blue as those 
blue w^aters. Then I ask God to 
take away the restless feeling out 
of my heart, and forgive me for my 
discontent. He does it and all is 
bright again; I feel as happy as 
those dancing waves there in the 
soft moonlight.’ 


EUREKA 57 

^Rose, would I be a better boy 
if I asked God to help meU 

^Of course, Billy if you’d ask 
God to help you, and promise Him 
>ou would do better, and then try 
to keep your promise. Don’t you 
see that you would be helping to 
answer your own prayers.’ 

H remember, once my mother 
told me that God is the only friend 
a homeless person can have,’ said 
Billy. ‘But let us go in, I see that 
Mammy and Pearl are both fast 
asleep.’ 


58 


EUREKA 


CHAPTER V. 

Finding a Pearl. 

^‘Rose worked on with untiring 
energy, the delay in reaping the 
rich reward she hoped for, served 
only to increase her purpose. A 
hard electrical storm had lasted all 
night, and when morning came, the 
white fleecy clouds, spread like 
snow drifts over the sky, seemed 
resting on the tops of the tall trees. 
As a humid atmosphere pervaded 
everything. Mammy considered it 


EUREKA 59 

too damp for Rose to work, but 
Rose was not to be put off. 

‘‘ ‘Mammy dear,’ she said. 
‘ While you are cooking breakfast I 
believe I will pearl around the old 
boat (a decaying, deserted old boat 
lying in the shallow waters.) ‘Last 
night’s storm must have stirred up 
the pearls. This may be my lucky 
morning, who knows?’ 

“Mammy yielded, and the child 
went her way. Rose looked like a 
water-nymph as she crept cautious- 
ly about the old boat, her eyes shin- 
ing like diamonds, her dark wavy 
hair falling to her waist. Her ex- 
ternal beauty, however, was not to 
be compared with her beautiful 
character and the kind, affectionate 
disposition she possessed. Clear 


60 EUEEKA 

and sweet her voice rang out with 
the same old hymn: ‘The Lord will 
provide. ’ 

“Eeaching her hand down deep 
at the side of the old boat, she gath- 
ered a handful of immense mussel 
shells. Drawing her knife from her 
apron pocket, she worked with un- 
usual energy but this time it seem- 
ed as if the old mussel refused to 
have his house invaded, for it took 
all her strength to open the shell. 
As she gazed with delight into its 
contents, she exclaimed, ‘No won- 
der you didnT want to let go, old 
mucket, (mussel) I donT blame you 
either.^ Her bright eyes fairly 
danced for joy, as she beheld, what 
seemed to her to be a very valuable 
pearl, ‘0, how glad I am that God 


EUEEKA 61 

sent you into my hands, with your 
treasure tightly locked inside!’ 
And with the pearl clasped tightly 
in her hand, she knelt by the old 
boat and thanked God for His good- 
ness. Then rising, she hastened to- 
ward the little houseboat calling 
^ Mammy, Mammy, I have found the 
Pearl; and dropping at her grand- 
mother’s feet, she laid the jewel in 
her lap. 

‘Now, Mammy dear, when we 
have finished breakfast, let us get 
ready to go. I’m not willing to de- 
lay one hour longer than necessary, 
for we must hasten to exchange this 
treasure for something more useful 
to us. Money is the thing we are 
most in need of just now, isn’t it 
Mammy?’ 

“ ‘Yes, dear, money is the key 


62 


EUEEKA 


which will open the door to all tem- 
poral blessings, but it must not be 
worshipped as a god. It should be 
used wisely and unselfishly. Eose 
darling,^ went on Mammy. ^ I’m so 
glad you found this. Your devotion 
to your search deserved this re- 
ward. I knew God would answer 
your prayers. I feel that your 
beautiful spirit and your loving 
trust are far more valuable than 
any jewel like this.’ 

^‘With cheerful hearts they pre- 
pared for the journey, happy in the 
consciousness of improved oppor- 
tunities, and the faithful perform- 
ance of duty. 

‘Billy, you must find some feed 
for the cow and chickens,’ cried 
Eose. ‘We must not leave them to 


EUREKA 63 

starve, while we live on ‘‘the fat of 
the land.’’ 0, I feel like singing all 
the way to Augusta.’ 

Song was always the escape valve 
for Rose’s exuberance of spirits, 
and the sweet singer broke forth in 
a hymn befitting the occasion: 

“Jesus, unerring Pilot, 

How long and drear the nights ! 

Yet through the gathered dark- 
ness, 

I see the distant lights. 

I know that where they are burn- 
ing 

No tempests can ever sweep. 

And 0, my Lord with Thee on 
board. 

I’ll safely cross the deep.” 

“So, loosening their moorings, 
the little houseboat, with all on 


64 EUEEKA 

board drifted peacefully down the 
stream. As the melody of Eose’s 
song floated out over the waters of 
the White Eiver, more than one 
pearler stopped his work to listen 
to the notes of that sweet voice, 
wafted to his ear from the deck of 
the ‘Star of Bethlehem.’ And a 
mocking bird stopped to hear, paus- 
ing on the limb, stealing the melody 
and repeating it again and again, in 
tones so long and deep and clear 
that Eose grew jealous of her rival. 

“Early next morning the little 
houseboat floated into Augusta; 
the pearl safely tucked away in 
Mammy’s pocket. Once landed, 
they wended their way up the 
street, carefully looking in every 
window, hoping to find a jeweler. 
Eose was the first one to see the 


EUREKA 65 

sign, and grasping Mammy’s hand 
she lead her into the shop. The 
jeweler was surprised and could 
scarcely repress a smile when Rose 
inquired if he wished to buy a 
pearl. With a quick eye for busi- 
ness he assured them of his readi- 
ness to examine anything they 
might have for sale. Taking the 
jewel with no little astonishment, 
he placed it in the scales where 
they could see it weighed. His keen 
observation noted its milky white- 
ness, its fine luster, and he saw that 
nothing could be rounder. 

‘‘ ^My dear child you must have 
had it made to order, ’ he remarked, 
jovially to Rose. ‘Ht is a valuable 
pearl, a beautiful specimen, and I 
will give you eight thousand dol- 
lars for it.’ 


66 EUEEKA 

The price was far greater than 
Mammy expected, so they closed 
the bargain at once. When they re- 
turned to the houseboat they found 
Billy busily occupied in preparing 
a dinner of bread, fish and hot cof- 
fee. After the meal Mammy gath- 
ered the children around her and 
they listened to her plans for the 
future. 

‘‘She said: ‘As this is the city we 
started for that cold evening when 
hunger drove us from our little 
home, I think it best to remain 
here. We will buy a pretty cottage 
with a garden-spot, so that I can 
help to raise our living. Eose, you 
and Pearl must attend school, and 
when you are a little older, Eose, I 
will have your voice cultivated, for 
if it sounds as sweet to others as it 


EUREKA 


67 


does to me, it will some day make 
you famous. Pearl you will be my 
baby-girl yet, for many years. We 
have one ^pearP that money cannot 
buy. God bless our sweet treasure! 
We will keep this one for our- 
selves,’ and Mammy drew the little 
one close to her heart. 

’Billy boy, we will give you 
the houseboat, the shells, the cow 
and the chickens. You have been a 
good and faithful friend to us, and 
we all love you. You can always be 
sure of having a part of what we 
have, and a home as well. I would 
advise you to sell the boat and ani- 
mals and take the money and go to 
school. It would be a mistake for 
a boy of your ability to settle down 
to the life of a fisherman. You 


68 EUREKA 

could be a good man and follow 
that occupation, but remember that 
education is power, and I would 
rather have you follow some higher 
walk in life. However, I shall leave 
this important question for you to 
decide; but if you choose school,, 
which I hope you will, you can 
come to us. I feel sure that your 
ambition will lead you to a useful, 
worthy and honorable place in life. ’ 
‘‘ ‘Now, Rose, as this is our last 
evening together on the houseboat 
under the old conditions, bring the 
good book so that I may read you a 
short chapter; then you can sing, 
“The Lord will provide.’^ ’ 

“After the reading. Mammy 
said: ‘Let us now kneel in silent 
prayer, for truly “God has led us 
all the way. ’ ’ ’ 


EUREKA 69 

‘‘Rose considered it time to 
change the old song, so she burst 
forth in another, quite as apprO’ 
priate : 

“ ‘All the way my Saviour leads 
me, 

What have I to ask beside. 

Can I doubt His tender mercy 

Who through life has been my 
guide. 

Heavenly peace, divinest treas- 
ure! 

There by faith in him to dwell. 

For I know whate ^er befall me, 

Jesus doeth all things well.’ 

“As they all knelt in silent pray- 
er, Billy realized that Mammy’s 
kind heart was going out in special 
prayer for him, and he opened the 
door of his heart, to ‘let the Saviour 


7 0 EUREElA 

in.^ Then they all said their fond 
good nights and for the last time, 
retired to rest in the little house- 
boat. 


EUREKA 71 


CHAPTER VI. 

Billy’s Good Fortune. 

next day Billy found him- 
self once more alone in the world. 
Children you cannot understand 
what this means. I hope you may 
never know it. With sadness he 
remembered his recent parting 
from the family, especially Rose, 
and he earnestly wished that the 
tug that he had hired would come 
to pull the houseboat up stream, 
back to the spot he still called 


72 EUEEKE 

‘home,’ where Eose found her 

pearl. 

“Going into the little room that 
served them as parlor, dining room 
and kitchen, and taking Eose’s red 
rocking chair, he placed it beside 
his own. Then he leaned his arm 
on the chair, dropped his head on 
his hands and gave way to a flood 
of tears. Yes, Billy did cry, but re- 
member that he was only a little 
boy, and this was a great crisis in 
his life. Honest tears are often the 
test of the excellent character of a 
man, and it is sometimes the case 
that the larger the heart the more 
sensitive it is. So Billy’s tears 
were not a sign of weakness and 
they did not last long. 

“He remembered that Eose had 
told him that God is willing to aid 


EUREKA 73 

us, even in the smallest matters of 
life if we call on Him in believing 
faith. Billy resolved therefore, to 
prove Him and see if what Rose 
had said would come true in his 
case. This he did and in a few 
minutes tears ceased to flow, the 
tired eyelids closed and Billy was 
far away in the beautiful ^Land of 
Dreams. ’ 

‘^The voice of the captain of the 
tug presently awakened him from 
his slumbers as he shouted ‘House- 
boat going up the river. All ready.’ 
Billy jumped to his feet, delighted 
to start back to his old home. It 
was but the work of a moment to 
make the houseboat fast to the tug, 
and they were soon on the way. 
The old tug, puffing her black 
smoke into the air, her white sides 


74 


EUREKA 


gleaming in the moonlight, looked 
not unlike some huge sea-serpent 
carrying off the little houseboat. 

Billy seated himself in Rose’s 
red rocker on the porch and tried 
to think. The boy’s marked fea- 
tures were strongly brought out by 
the moonlight. He had a broad 
high forehead and his dark brown 
eyes lighted up his face, and though 
youthful, were strong in expression. 
Except for these the soft brown 
curls, nestling lightly on the boyish 
head would have caused him to 
look girlish. But Billy was no girl ; 
he was every inch a man, even 
though he was of small stature. To 
him the waters of the White River 
never looked so green before, and 
he wondered if Rose could see the 


EUREKA 75 

river now and if she would not be 
foolish enough to dream that emer- 
alds were waiting for them in their 
depths. She would fancy that the 
mermaids had all been turned loose 
and, decked in green seaweed, were 
scattering emeralds from either 
hand. If Billy ever had a strong 
wish, it was that Rose could he 
with him that night. 

‘‘They reached the old landing 
about sunrise. In his eagerness to 
catch a glimpse of the spot he 
called home he stood at the win- 
dow watching. In the gray light 
of the early morning he saw the 
huge pile of shells and it made his 
heart ache. It seemed to him a 
monument erected to the memory 
of the happy days he had spent 
with Rose. The slight jar when 


76 


ETJREEkA 


the boat touched the shore, brought 
Billy to a more practical view of 
life. The tug, having now fulfilled 
its mission, headed for Augusta 
and Billy went to look for the cow 
and chickens. In his loneliness he 
felt that even they would be better 
than no company. 

‘‘All was changed! Silence reign- 
ed everywhere! He asked himself 
how could he tolerate this lonely 
life. Then he found his fish hooks 
and, standing on the edge of the 
boat, dropped them into the water, 
one by one, saying, ‘Old fish, you 
neednT bite any more. You may 
live on for ever, for all I care. I’ll 
be something beter than a fisher- 
man. The water has lost its charm 
for me. Mammy says I have abil- 


EUREKA 


77 


ity, and that education is power. I 
will do as she wishes, and with 
God’s help I will make a man, be- 
loved and honored by the world. 
Rose would forget me if I continued 
here, living all alone. I will leave 
this place which is empty of all I 
hold dear, and filled with memories 
of pleasures forever gone.’ 

‘‘True to his resolution, Billy 
sold all his shells, and placed his 
fifty dollars safely in a tin box. 
Then he painted a sign FOR SALE 
and, selecting a conspicuous place 
on the little houseboat, he tacked 
it thereon. Then deciding to waste 
no time, Billy resolved to work and 
wait, feeling sure that God would 
not forget him. The serene beauti- 
ful summer passed. The long, lone- 


78 EUREKA 

some days brought him much spare 
time, in which to think and plan 
for the future, but, as yet, he had 
come to no decision. 

“One stormy night when the 
wnd moaned piteously, and the 
rain came down in almost solid 
sheets, Billy thought he heard a cry 
for help. Quickly lighting his lan- 
tern he hung it on the side of the 
boat next to the river; then he 
shouted with all his might to the 
boat which he thought might in dis- 
tress. It proved to be an electric 
launch, with a party of pleasure- 
seekers on board. They had thought 
to make Newport before darkness 
would overtake them, but the in- 
creasing storm became so severe, 
that they were afraid of capsizing, 
and so sent a cry for help, thinking 


EUREKLA. 79 

some pearler might hear them and 
come to their assistance. Billy, of 
course, took them in, and the little 
houseboat sheltered a grateful and 
interested group that night. 

^‘An elderly gentleman from 
Litle Rock was one of the party. 
He was much struck with Billy’s 
bright face and engaging manners, 
and he pitied the boy’s lonely con- 
dition, well remembering when he, 
to, was a homeless lad. Feeling an 
increasing interest in him after 
learning more of Billy’s history, 
he finally offered the boy a home 
and promised to send him to school. 
Billy accepted the kind offer, and 
agreed to go as soon as he could sell 
his houseboat. 

‘‘Fortunately for him a purchas- 
er apepared a few days later, and 


8c EUEEKA 

soon Billy found himself the posses- 
sor of the enormous sum of two 
hundred dollars, which he careful- 
ly ^banked’ in the little tin box. 
Feeling himself so rich, he believ- 
ed he ought to be very cautions. 

^‘With loving hands he took 
down from over the door the chil- 
dren’s little motto: — Faith.. Love. 
Contentment — and placed it at the 
bottom of his little bundle. Then 
he hailed the first boat for Newport, 
and there he bought a handsome 
suit of clothes and other litle arti- 
cles to enable him to look the little 
gentleman he really was, for poor 
patched clothes had never been 
able to disguise Billy’s manly bear- 
ing and fine appearance. So Billy 
bade goodbye forever to the life of 
a White Eiver fisherman — for he 


EUREKA 81 

was soon to hear as did Peter of old 
and his disciples, the call of Jesus: 
^ ‘ Come, and I will make you fishers 
of men.’ 

‘‘Billy was so utterly transform- 
ed that it was hard to believe that 
this noble, manly boy was the son 
of a worthless fisherman. Mr. 
Brown, his benefactor, met him at 
the station at Little Rock, and 
though he knew that Billy would be 
on the train, the boy’s fine clothes 
so changed his appearance that Mr. 
Brown did not at first recognize 
him, though he knew him as soon 
as he heard Billy’s voice. 

“Mr. Brown had no children of 
his own, and his good wife had been 
laid to rest more than a year prev- 
iously. His house was managed by 
trusty servants who grew to love 


82 EUREKA 

Billy when they learned how noble 

and honest he was. 

‘ ^ Though sufficiently indepen- 
dent, Billy was willing to work, and 
always tried to make himself useful 
about the home. Consequently it 
was little wonder that they soon 
learned to love him, and no one 
thought it strange when at Mr. 
Brown’s death, about a year later, 
it was found that he had left Billy 
his large estate. 

‘‘The past year had been both 
pleasant and profitable to the lad 
in the matter of school work, and 
it was with sincere regret that he 
closed up his beautiful residence 
and went away to college, for Billy 
had, some months since, decided to 
become a minister of the Gospel. 


EUREKA 83 

And now my dears we must now 
leave him for a while with his Bible 
and his school books to the care of 
the Heavenly Shepherd who watch- 
es his lambs, nor suffers one to go 
astray. 


84 


EUEEKA 


CHAPTER VII. 

Mammy. 

‘‘Many prosperous years have 
passed over the heads of onr little 
family. Rose has finished her edu- 
cation, and has become a great fav- 
orite in the city. At this time she 
received a large salary for singing 

in the church. The little 

cottage with the garden spot that 
Mammy had bought when they first 
came to Augusta had been exchang- 
ed for a more pretentious home. 


EUREKA 85 

‘‘Many an evening Mammy and 
Rose sat by the fireside and talked 
about Billy. How well Rose remem- 
bered the little boy who helped her 
with the mussel shells, and who as- 
sisted her in making the sign for 
the little houseboat. How kindly 
Mamy’s thoughts dwelt upon the 
little boy who milked her cow, fed 
her chickens and caught the fish 
for the table. 

“Once only, did they hear any- 
thing whatever about him since the 
day they parted at the wharf. The 
first year they went back to the 
wharf every once in a while to in- 
quire if any one had seen or heard 
of him. One man said he had seen 
the boy buy a ticket for Little Rock 
at Newport. He said Billy was 
dressed in a fine suit of clothes. 


86 EUEEKA 

and that he would never have 
recognized him but for his speech. 
This meager information brought 
their anxious hearts but litle com- 
fort, and for a time Billy seemed 
to drop out of their lives. But this 
was on the surface only. Deep in 
her heart Rose guarded the mem- 
ories of her playmate and helper, 
and she never said her prayers 
without asking God^s blessing upon 
Billy. And Rose was not the only 
one who missed him, for often the 
tears fell from Mammy ^s dear old 
eyes and dropped in her lap — when 
perchance Billyhs name was men- 
tioned. When they parted from 
him she felt almost sure that he 
would be back in a few days,, or as 
soon as he sold his houseboat. 
When the boy failed to come Mam- 


EUREKA 


87 


my’s tender heart never ceased to 
yearn after him. 

‘‘The people of Augusta had 
come to be well acquainted with the 
romantic history of this little fam- 
ily. Mothers told the story to their 
children at the twilight hour. To 
the children it was like a fairy tale, 
too wonderful to be true. 

“There was not a resident of the 
city who did not wish them well. 
Mammy still appeared in her quaint 
garb, though now it was gotten up 
in richer materials and was some- 
what more in fashion, except the 
little home-made pointed shoes, 
turned up at the toes. These she 
had discarded for a more sensible 
foot gear. But the place Mammy 
held in the hearts of both old and 


88 EUEEKA 

young made her so dear to them 
that no one would wish her to ex- 
change one article of her dress. 

Every Christmas it seemed that 
old Santa Claus stopped and left 
everything he had on the floor of 
her veranda. On Easter Sunday, 
her rooms were fragrant with flow- 
ers, sent by friends who waited 
sunshine into her life to prove that 
devotion to her. Surely it was the 
Divine Father who sent all this 
sunshine into her lift to prove that 
He deals justice to those who for- 
get not His counsel and who love 
and obey His commandments. 


^Ht was evening, and Mammy, as 
usual, was sitting by the open fire. 
Kose was i3laying softly on the 
piano and Pearl was reading the 


EUREKA 89 

evening paper. She looked up sud- 
denly from her paper, exclaiming, 
‘Rose, listen to this.’ Then she 
reads: ‘The service will he of un- 
usual interest at the church 

next Sunday, as the pulpit will be 
filled by the Rev. Wm. Tuttle, D. D. 
of Little Rock. Miss Rose Smith- 
son will furnish the usual vocal 
solo. All are cordially invited to 
attend.’ 

“ ‘Rose, do you know who the 
new minister is?’ 

“ ‘No, little sister, I never re- 
member to have heard the name be- 
fore,’ she replied. 

“Rose knew Billy by no other 
than Billy, Mammy being the only 
one who remembered his last name. 
And as the dear old soul had wan- 
dered away to beautiful slumber- 


90 EURE^ 

land before Pearl bad read the 
newspaper item, for the present, 
the children had no knowledge of 
the true identity of Rev. Wm. Tut- 
tle, D. D. 


EUREKA: 


91 


CHAPTER VIIL 
Home From College. 

After several years of hard 
study Billy returned to Little Rock 
and the old mansion opened wide 
its doors to welcome its sole master. 
He had written his housekceijer 
that on that date she might expect 
him to Mo the honors’ of his honie. 

‘‘All his old friends had received 
the news of his advent and his re- 
turn was a topic of considerable in- 
terest. There was much wondering 


92 EUEEKA 

as to what lie would do, and if he 
would remain permanently. 

‘^The children repeated what 
they had heard from their elders of 
how Mr. Brown found this man, 
once a friendless boy, on board a 
houseboat on the White Kiver, liv- 
ing all alone. The story of the 
stormy night when Billy hung out 
his lantern, to guide Mr. Brown 
and his party to a place of safety 
was related and grew fuller of de- 
tail as it passed along. How the 
good man grew to love the noble 
boy, and made him heir to his vast 
estate was the* culmination of this 
modem fairy story. 

‘‘Old and young could remember 
when he went to college, and now 
he was coming home to meet and 
to mingle with them, and perhai)s 


EUREKA 93 

to take up the life and interests of 
the city of his adoption. The loom- 
ing papers spoke of him as ^Dr. 
Tnttle’ and from this we knew that 
he deserved honors that wealth 
alone conld not give him. My dear 
children, let ns pass hurriedly over 
his cordial home coming. There 
were the usual hearty hand-shakos. 
The earnest ^God bless you’s- and 
many other sincere words of wel- 
come, uttered by young and old, 
for all felt that in him had virtue 
and good deeds been rewarded. 

Billy had been an earnest and 
diligent student. To him ‘time’ 
was a precious thing which God 
had given him to improve and not 
a moment of it was to be wasted. 
AthI Billy was in word and deed 
God’s oif spring and an admirable 


94 EXJREKIA. 

example of God^s handwork. 

‘‘On account of this blessed as- 
similation, he trusted God and 
sought to understand Him through 
his works. The mighty rh'er, the 
rustling leaves, the whispering 
wind, the budding flowers, the 
shooting stars, the shining moon; 
all these and other objects of God^s 
beneficence were Billy’s tutors 
from whom he learned interesting 
and profitable lessons. He would 
go out of his way rather than crush 
the smallest insect, believing that 
God had placed it here for a pur- 
pose, and that man had not the 
right wantonly to destroy it. He 
aimed at justice in all his acts, and 
respected the rights and comfort of 
others. His was a character budd- 
ed by the slow process of daily ef- 


EUREKA 95 

fort toward right action, welded 
and rounded, polished and made 
symmetrical by the most skillful 
mingling of prosperity and adver- 
sity, rain and sunshine. 

‘‘All these years Billy had never 
heard a word from Mammy, Rose 
Smithson or Pearl. But he felt 
sure that God had held them safe 
in His keeping. And he began to 
feel that now he ought to seek them 
out and ask dear, old Mammy for 
her blessing, since it was by her 
god judgment and illuminating 
counsel that he had been guided. 
Toward Rose he felt something 
more than gratitude for pointing 
him to a better life both by her 
precept and example. 

“But Billyhs life was ever a busy 
one. One day he had just finished 


96 EUEEEIA. 

writing liis sermon for the follow- 
ing Sunday, when the servant 
brought in his mail. With great 
interest he picked up a letter post- 
marked Augusta, from Eev. John 
Williamson and read 

‘Eev. Wm. Tuttle, D. D., 

“ ‘Little Eock, Ark. 

“ ‘Dear Billy: — still claim the 
right of an old chum, to call you 
by that familiar name. Business or 
importance calls me from the city, 
and the time is so short that I can- 
not change my arrangements. As 
you may know, I have recently re- 
ceived this appointment and do not 
feel safe in closing the church for 
fear of displeasing some of my 
members. I am therefore going to 
ask you to fill the pulpit for me on 
Sunday, 18th instant. 

“ ‘Awaiting an early reply. 


EUREKA 


97 


*1 remain, as ever, 

‘‘ ‘Your friend, 

^JOIINU 

^Un due time the Rev. J. \Yil- 
liamson received the following an- 
swer 

^Rev. Johu Williams ?n, 
‘Augusta, Ark. 

“ ‘Dear John: — Let us not ever 
forget that, first of all, we are old 
and tried friends. It gives me 
pleasure to he able to comply with 
your request, so that you may carry 
out your arrangements. I shall be 
at your church at the appointed 
hour. 

“ ‘Sincerely yours, BILLY.’ 


98 


EUEEKA 


CHAPTER IX. 

Sunday Morning. 

^ ^ Sunday morning in Augusta 
dawned bright and clear, and the 
air was just cool enough to act as 
a tonic, implanting in all a feeling 
of satisfaction with God’s provi- 
dence. What is more gratifying to 
the heart of the truly pious than a 
glorious Sunday morning in the 
early Autumn'? The earth, all car- 
peted with rustling, golden leaves, 
calls to mind the golden streets of 


THE CHURCH WHERE BILLY FOUND HIS LOVED ONES 

TRULY GOD HAD LED HIM ALL THE WAY” 









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EUREKA 99 

the New Jerusalem. The solemn 
chime of the church bells suggest 
tlie music of the Heavenly choir. 

^‘On this particular morning the 
congregation was larger than usual, 
the church being completedly filled. 
Every one was serenely looking for- 
ward with pleasure to the sermon 
and in addition to this there was 
observed the interest which always 
attends the arrival of a new min- 
ister. 

‘‘All eyes were centered on Billy 
as he quietly entered, taking his 
seat in the chair back of the pulpit. 
The organ played softly, and all 
yielded to the influence of the 
sweet music. 

“As it ceased, every eye rested 
on the figure standing before the 


100 EUEEKA 

congregation. His fine, broad 
sbonlders, appeared to the best ad- 
vantage. His dark hair, slightly 
shading his broad, high forehead, 
canght a ray of sunshine from the 
stained glass window in the rear of 
the pulpit, and glacing off, rested 
lovingly on the covers of the Holy 
Book. 

‘‘Opening the Bible, he read in 
mellow tones with great impres- 
siveness the chapters containing 
Christ’s sermon on the mount. Then 
glancing up the broad aisle, Billy’s 
eyes took in a panorama which 
caused him to forget where he was. 

“Hear old Mammy was coming 
placidly down the aisle. There was 
the same quiet mien, and gentle 
tread, and she was followed by 


EUREKA 


101 


Rose and Pearl. Soon the organist 
played a beantifnl transcription of 
^Nearer My God to Thee,’ and the 
ushers passed the boxes for the 
weekly offering. Billy sat like a 
marble statue; all was dark before 
his eyes. To him the congregation 
had vanished and the years had 
rolled back. 

^^He saw himself once more a 
^barefooted boy.’ The sweet rich 
tones of the organ rolled on. To 
Billy it was the music of the waves 
beating against the sides of the lit- 
tle houseboat of bygone days. The 
vanishing strains of the familiar 
hymn grew soft and distant. Miss 
Rose Smithson rose and advanced 
to the front of the platform. After 
a moment’s prelude the enchanting 


102 EUREKA 

strains of ‘The Holy City’ stole 
softly on the air, and Rose, with 
modest glances and gentle bearing 
carried that vast congregation 
whither she wished on the magic 
wings of song. They journeyed to 
a far away city ‘beyond the shin- 
ing stars.’ 

‘ ‘ At last she ceased and Billy, re- 
gaining his composure, resumed his 
place at the desk. Then the ser- 
mon was delivered in a masterful 
manner, teaching clear and direct 
lessons of humility and faith. Billy 
closed with a prayer bearing all 
hearts to the throne of Divine Love, 
Faith and Mercy. 

‘ ‘ The closing hymn was sung and 
again the organist played sweet 
and low, while the congregation 


EUREKA 


103 


passed out into the quiet street. 
Billy turned to go, and was reach- 
ing for his hat, when he encounter- 
ed Rose who, offering her hand, 
said simply, 'Billy, let us go home 
with Mammy. ^ 

^'Billy’s heart bounded at the 
sound of her voice, with all its 
tones of childish winsomeness, com- 
bined with the sweeter notes of ma- 
turity, and the dear, familiar word 
‘ Mammy. ^ You may be certain my 
dears that he required no further 
pressing invitation — and they both 
Avent to Mammy. The old woman 
was delighted to find her 'boy’ 
again and insisted on Billy’s spend- 
ing the week with them. This visit 
was followed by others and Mam- 
my joyously noticed the love grow- 


104 EUREKA 

ing between Rose and the minister. 
As soon as conld be arranged the 
imi:)ortant event took place, amidst 
general rejoicing. With Mammy’s 
biessing and the minister’s solemn 
words that bonnd them in holy 
bonds of union, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. 
7’uttle thns embarked on the sea of 
jnatrimony. 

^*Now, dear children, my story is 
ended. Can yon guess who the Rose 
and Billy really are? 

‘‘A wild rush at grandma proved 
that the riddel was not hard to 
guess. 

‘You and grandpa! Didn’t I 
tel] you I knew we were named aft- 
er you?’ was the joyous chorus. 


THE END. 


EUREKA 


105 


Note — The writer recently spent 
a summer on the hanks of th» 
White River, Arkansas, and while 
there gathered material for this 
story. 

The old mill is still standing and 
the old river boats make their regu- 
lar trips. The little houseboats ply 
up and down the river as they did 
in bygone days. 

The scenery is wild and pictures- 
que in the extreme. The beautiful 
river winds in and out, her banks 
sloping to the water ^s edge, then 
rising abruptly like some giant 
mountain, while the grand old trees 
throw their shadows half way 
across the stream. It is said to be 
the crookedest stream within the 
boundaries of the United States, as 


EUEEKA 


106 

it travels one thousand miles in 
traversing a distance of three hun- 
dred miles. Bending, curving, 
twisting, it wends its circuitous 
way through the beautiful Ozark 
Mountains. 


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